Looking Forward
by Gemma Gardner
We all need something to look forward to. It gives us purpose in our lives when things are hard or mundane. At this time of year there are lots of adverts about holidays in the sun, and round the world cruises. Incentives are given for people to book early, and then they will get money off, or spending money to use if they are on a cruise. Many people find these early months of the year depressing, so they are eager to plan their next get-away, whether it’s in the spring, summer or autumn, they want something to look forward to. It’s not wrong to plan holidays, but if that is all we have to look forward to, then there’s bound to be an anti-climax when the holiday is finished.
However, when we have given our lives to the Lord Jesus, there’s an eternity to look forward to. He’s coming to get us so that we will be with Him forever. The believers in the early Church used to comfort and encourage one another with the thought of Jesus’ return. It helped them to endure the terrible persecution they suffered. The apostle Paul wrote these words, ‘We don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever’ (2 Corinthians 4:18).
It’s easy to get bogged down with the things of earth and lose our perspective. We get caught up with the busyness of our lives and earthly cares. It’s very rare to hear a sermon about Jesus’ return these days. I can’t remember when I last heard one. Have you lost sight of this truth? There’s some good advice in James’ letter for us to take to heart when we are planning for the future. ‘Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that”’ (James 4:13-15).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please would You help me to fix my eyes on the things that are not seen. Help me fix my gaze on Jesus, just as He fixed His eyes on You and endured till the end and is now with You in heaven. Thank You that He is coming back one day to take me to be home with Him and You. Amen.
Gemma Gardner lives in Norfolk with her husband, Dean, who until recently worked at Ellel Grange. They are both part of the Associate Ministry team which Gemma joined after completing the Modular school. Gemma has experienced the Lord`s healing and restoration over many years and longs to see Him healing other broken people. Gemma loves listening to music, cooking, knitting and crochet as well as outdoor exercise. She enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs.
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